As South Africans await the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), government has called on the media to prioritise accurate, ethical and responsible reporting.
Speaking at a Pre-SONA Media Networking Session in Cape Town, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong appealed for closer collaboration between journalists and government communication officers to ensure fact-based coverage of the highly anticipated address.
Morolong emphasised the influential role of the media in shaping public discourse, particularly in a diverse country like South Africa.
“In a nation as diverse and beautiful as ours, media is not just a conveyor of information. It is a mirror that reflects who we are and the window that shows us what we can become. How do we ensure that the pursuit of likes, shares and followers does not come at the expense of truth, accuracy and responsible communication?” he asked.
He also highlighted the importance of nation branding, cautioning against the spread of misinformation and exaggerated claims about the country’s state of affairs.
“Nation branding is not about creating false narratives or glossing over our challenges. It is about authentic storytelling that presents a full and balanced picture of who we are as a nation. Fabricated narratives — whether about widespread violence, alleged systematic persecution, or exaggerated accounts of crime and instability — have real consequences. They deter investment and undermine international confidence,” Morolong said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address on Thursday at 19:00.
Key issues expected to feature prominently in the President’s speech include unemployment, inequality and crime, which remain among the country’s most pressing challenges.
